Washington Post Article and Interview with Jon Anderson

Political strategists form bipartisan campaign to get Yes into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

By David Rowell, Published: December 5

As a GOP political strategist, John Brabender had been on countless conference calls in countless conference rooms like this one. Late Halloween afternoon, he was at the National Republican Club occupying a room the color of oatmeal. He had a dozen political heavyweights on the line, and was pacing with the steady rhythm of a sloth bear in captivity.

Brabender is best known as the top strategist on Rick Santorum’s 2012 presidential bid, though he has helped run campaigns in almost every state. Clients have included senators Tom Coburn and David Vitter and former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge.

For 18 years the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has said ‘no’ to the progressive rock band Yes. Now, two major political operatives on opposite sides of the aisle have come together to throw their weight behind the band. The Fold’s Gabe Silverman introduces you to the group and Washington’s most unlikely bipartisan push.
For 18 years the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has said ‘no’ to the progressive rock band Yes. Now, two major political operatives on opposite sides of the aisle have come together to throw their weight behind the band. The Fold’s Gabe Silverman introduces you to the group and Washington’s most unlikely bipartisan push.
But this time the client wasn’t a politician. The cause wouldn’t affect the economy, campaign financing or the environment: Brabender was leading the charge to get Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The British progressive rock group has been eligible since 1994 but has been shut out every time.